South Valley Jr. High Reads

A Boy Called It by David Pelzer

2008-02-20T10:23:00.000-08:00

A Child Called It is a real life true story that is about a boy whose courage is really unforgettable with a lot of determination, which has enabled him to survive life- threatening odds. As a child Dave was brutally beaten and starved by his emotionally unstable alcoholic mother. His mother played tortuous games that left Dave nearly dead. Dave learned how to play his Mother's sinister games in order to survive because she no longer considered Dave a son but a slave, and no longer a boy but an "It." This story is told through the eyes of a child, who will pay any price just to succeed.

I believe this can be found at the school library.

I rate this from 1 to 10......... a 10!!!!!

Reviewed by: Brandi

Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maguire

2008-01-27T18:44:00.000-08:00

Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maguire

Synopsis: Another fairy tale told from a different view from the man who wrote the book that inspired Wicked the musical. Gregory Maguire's Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister is the story of Cinderella with a new twist. You get to know the true stories behind the "mean ugly stepsisters" Iris and Ruth and their poor mother Margarethe. While this story still has of course a ball, a handsome prince, a lost slipper, and maybe even a fairy godmother, it will also change your view on the classic children's story. "In the lives of children, pumpkins can turn into coaches, mice and rats into human beings. When we grow up, we learn that it's far more common for human beings to turn into rats."

My rating is an 8 on a scale of 1 to 10.

I purchased this book for my own personal collection at Target.

Reviewed by Libby

More Taste Berries for Teens by Jennifer Leigh Youngs and Bettie Youngs

2008-01-27T11:01:00.000-08:00

More Taste Berries for Teens by Jennifer Leigh Youngs and Bettie Youngs

I read a book about people and was about the life and the age 7 and up it is easy to read it is a good book it is called More Taste Berries for Teens. Sometimes it's tough to connect with our own innermost feelings but you cannot. Realize that there will be many days ahead of me when I'll cry over having to part for now with a soul, yet I find comfort in this heirloom, too. Maybe it's because the feather is more symbolic than I had first imagined. I now stare at the feather and think of how my grandmother always gave me wings to fly to my greatest potential.

Rating : 9 on a scale of 1 to 10

This book can be found in the SVJH library media center

Reviewed by Katie

The Burn Journals by Brent Runyon

2008-01-27T10:55:00.000-08:00

The Burn Journals By Brent Runyon

This is a book that is based on a true story. If you've ever felt suicidal and thought killing yourself was a smart idea, think again. Brent Runyon is an 8th grade boy who could be expelled from school for lighting some matches in the boys locker room. He is a fantastic liar and makes you think about the life you have. If your life is rough you don't have to kill yourself we have people to talk to. Find out what death is and could be like in this book The Burn Journals.

Rating - 9.5 on a scale of 1 to 10

This book can be found at SVJH school library.

Reviewed by Jessie

George Washington Spymaster by Thomas B. Allen

2008-01-24T20:44:00.000-08:00

George Washington, Spymaster – How the Americans Outspied the British and Won the Revolutionary War by Thomas B. Allen

I like to read books about George Washington and this one was enjoyable because it focused on his use of spies in the American Revolution. Many people don’t realize how crafty Washington was in obtaining information about the British through spies. The book mentions the most famous spy of the American Revolution – Benedict Arnold – and what Washington does when he discovers that Arnold is spying for the British. I would recommend this book because it is a quick read – not too long. It also has some neat extra features – a hidden code is included on the pages and at the back of the book you can learn how to break the code.

On a scale of 1 (worst) to 10 (best) I give this book a rating of : 8

This book is available from the SVJH library and media center.

Reviewed by Mr. Langhorst